Gambiaj.com – (ESPLANADE DRIVE, Singapore) – The Kumpo Club of Berending has made a landmark international appearance this week, representing The Gambia at the 17th edition of “A Tapestry Of Sacred Music,” an esteemed cultural festival held at Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre by the Bay.
The group departed The Gambia on Monday to participate in the four-day event, which runs from April 30 to May 3. Renowned as a premier venue for world sacred music traditions, the festival brings together diverse spiritual expressions from mosques, temples, cathedrals, and rural villages across the globe.
A Whirling Debut
The Berending Kumpo Association headlined the festival’s opening with an athletic and evocative performance at the Esplanade Courtyard on Thursday evening. The showcase centered on the Kumpo, a traditional West African spirit draped in straw.
The performance recreates the frenetic movements of the spirit, which is believed to bridge the human and spiritual realms. Accompanied by a rhythmic tapestry of drums, chants, and synchronized clapping, the Gambian troupe provided an immersive experience that resonated with the international audience.
Promoting Gambian Heritage Through a Global Exchange
This international opportunity was facilitated through a collaboration with Singapore’s national performing arts centre. For the Kumpo Club, the journey is more than a performance; it is a strategic effort to market the Berending Festival and the country’s unique traditions to the wider world.
“We are proud to represent our community and share the beauty of our culture internationally,” team leaders of the Kumpo Club stated. “This collaboration can elevate the cultural exchange between our countries and provide a unique experience for both our performers and the audience.”
The Gambian cultural performers shared the festival stage with a prestigious lineup of international performers, including Japan’s professional Noh theater and the communal Kurokawa Noh from Tsuruoka and Pakistan’s renowned qawwali group, Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali.
Europe and Oceania were also represented by the traditional choral groups from Corsica and Papua New Guinea.
Berending 2027 Festival Already Calling
On Sunday, the Kumpo Club of Berending will once again perform at Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre to close the festival before returning home. The success in Singapore serves as a springboard for the group’s next major milestone.
The Kumpo Club is already actively preparing for the 10th Edition of the Berending Cultural Festival.
The local landmark event is slated to take place from January 30 to February 1, 2027, where the group hopes to welcome international visitors inspired by their performance on the global stage.
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